I managed to track down the source of the front end noise I've been having for a while now (it's been getting worse).
After experimenting a bit I noticed I could hear quite a loud creaking noise when I rocked the drivers side front bumper up and down (the passenger side is quiet). Inside the truck it sounds just like the noise we hear whilke driving and can be felt through the steering wheel. After feeling round a bit and rocking the front end the noise appears to come from the tie rod connecting the rack and pinion steering gear to the front drivers hub. You can hear (and feel) something inside the rubber boot connecting the steering gear to the front hub via the tie rod.
Anyone have any idea what's inside that rubber boot and whether it can be serviced without replacing the entire steering gear? (I assume it's some sort of joint)
If I have to replace the entire steering gear is this something easily handled by the DIY? (it doesn't look too bad in the Hanes book)
Thanks,